Impact of Communication Patterns and Relationship Dissatisfaction on Emotional Distress among Married Individuals

Abstract

Abstract

Background. Marriage satisfaction is a crucial component of numerous people's lives and has been linked to greater life satisfaction as well as the psychological health of married people in Pakistan. The purpose of this research study was to find out the impact of different communication patterns and relationship dissatisfaction on emotional distress among married individuals.

Method.A cross-sectional study was conducted in which sample of the present study consisted of (N=226, M=1.35, SD=.48) married individuals (n=148 males and n=78 females) from Islamabad. Survey method was used to collect the data. Purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the sample. Perceived Emotional Distress Inventory (PEDI), Communication Pattern Questionnaire (CPQ) and Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI) were administered to married individuals.

Results. The findings demonstrated that relationship dissatisfaction, self-demand/partner withdraw, and partner demand/self-withdraw communication patterns are all highly significant predictors of emotional distress, and that among married people, constructive communication pattern is a negative predictor of emotional distress.

Conclusion. Effective communication often acts as a protective barrier against emotional suffering in married couples. When couples honestly and actively listen to one another, they are better able to understand and feel more connected to one another. This can lead to a more helpful and harmonic connection, which reduces the likelihood of emotional suffering.

Keywords. Emotional distress, constructive communication pattern, self-demand/partner withdraw, partner demand/self-withdraw communication patterns, relationship dissatisfaction.